Ceramic composite Ti3SiC2–TiB2—Microstructure and mechanical properties

The structure and properties of Ti3SiC2–TiB2 ceramic composites were investigated. A computer-aided image analysis, tests of mechanical properties as well as observation of the crack propagation mechanism were carried out for the Ti3SiC2–TiB2 composite at a TiB2 dispersed phase content varying from 5% to 50% by volume. The resulting data obtained made it possible to determine a relation between the TiB2 content and the mechanical properties of the composite; moreover, they revealed the way in which the presence of TiB2 particles in the composite matrix affected the course of cracks in the composite.